Joint RCPC/NCPC Town Hall on Public and Private Safety: June 9

On June 9, the Rockridge Community Planning Council (RCPC) and the Greater Rockridge Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) will hold their annual joint Town Hall, this year focusing on several topics relating to public and private safety.

Note the date: June 9, the second Thursday of the month, is the regular date for NCPC meetings, but a week early for RCPC Town Halls. Due to the continuing closure of the Rockridge branch library, and thanks to the hospitality of the College Avenue Presbyterian Church (5951 College Avenue), the Town Hall will be held in the Church's sanctuary, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

The meeting starts with three speakers presented by NCPC. First, new Neighborhood Law Corps attorney Farrah Hussein will introduce herself briefly, and pass out cards. Then, OPD Community Resource Officer Hutzol will update the audience on the most recent crime statistics and trends in the neighborhood. This will be followed by a presentation on helping survivors of domestic and teen dating violence break the cycle of violence, from a representative of Oakland shelter A Safe Place.

Next, RCPC turns to preparedness for earthquakes and other disasters. RCPC will demonstrate a free website, developed (and still being refined) by alumni of the US Geological Survey, that lets individuals identify their specific residence's risk of damage from earthquakes, liquefaction, and landslides. The website also features an interactive tool aimed at helping homeowners estimate their risk of seismic damage and compare it to other typical risks that we generally insure against.

Finally, a city staffer will update the audience on Oakland's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is scheduled for consideration by the City Council on June 7, and will also touch briefly on a related city program, Resilient Oakland.